Microsoft XBox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows Review

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Within a month of the Microsoft XBox 360 being released, Microsoft was selling the wired USB controller for XBox 360 owners and also PC gamers who desired a gamepad. For those who got wireless controllers with their 360 or for PC gamers who wanted that same wireless capability on their PCs, there was no option. Now, Microsoft has made available the Windows Gaming Receiver, which creates connectivity between your PC and your XBox 360 wireless accessories for use with your Windows based computer. This is not limited to the wireless 360 controller, it also allows for usage with the Microsoft XBox 360 wireless steering wheel and Xbox 360 wireless headset along with support for future accessories.

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I had thought about purchasing a USB 360 controller for my computer a few months back for non-first person games, however, I was reluctant to as I already had a wireless controller that came with my Xbox 360 console and wasn't so sure about spending another $40.00 for a wired controller. I then heard about the wireless gaming receiver that was coming to stores, and decided to wait for its release. The XBox USB controllers were selling for $39.99, while the Wireless Gaming Receiver was to be $19.99 and would allow me to make use of the controller I already had, so the savings and convenience would be worth the wait. I ended up purchasing the wireless receiver from the game store I work at, of course getting an employee discount. Without discount, it would be $21.59 with 8.00% sales tax.

The packaging is straightforward, the only problem is it's somewhat hard to open.

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Setting up the wireless receiver is fairly quick and simple:

1. Load up the installation/driver CD packaged with the wireless gaming receiver
2. Connect the USB gaming receiver to your PC with it's 5 foot USB cord
3. Turn on the wireless device to be connected (make sure to disconnect your Xbox 360 console if you have one, so that it doesn't come on)
4. Sync the wireless receiver and device

The process is very easy, even for PC novices. Once it's setup your device is ready to be configured for gaming. The only problem is many PC games don't support 360 controllers or gamepads in general, and therefore require 3rd party software like Xpadder to make gamepad usage possible with certain games. The main tests came with using the wireless 360 controller and wireless receiver combination with the games Call of Duty online and Counter Strike: Source online by using Xpadder to make it viable. Despite clearly being an inferior form of FPS control, especially with the mouse being a much more intuitive form of aiming, using a gamepad-for-movement with mouse-for-aiming set up proved to be a great form of control. The play was lag free as the wireless controller and receiver use a 2.4 GHz connection, making the experience really great, especially not having to worry about a cord restricting one's movement.

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If you don't want to use your wireless controller or keyboard and mouse for a racing game and instead want to opt for the Xbox 360 wireless racing wheel, it's fully supported as well as the wireless headset. The driver CD that's included works with Windows XP of course and with Windows Vista. I run it on a Windows XP based PC with my games installed via that OS. The only problem so far is the current lack of support for specific use of Xbox branded accessories, however, Microsoft has been pushing to change that. Crytek has stated themselves that Crysis will be fully compatible for using the Xbox 360 controllers so you can enjoy a more console-like experience like that of the Xbox 360, so support is on the way. Of course you can opt for 3rd party software to increase functionality like I did for the games that don't support the hardware. It's well known though that non FPS games do tend to support gamepads such as Flight Simulator X and Tomb Raider: Legend, which work quite well with the 360 controller. I don't have the Wireless Steering Wheel or Headset, so I couldn't review there usage with the receiver unfortunately. The receiver supports up to 4 devices/controllers simultaneously if desired, just like the Xbox 360 console.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Microsoft Wireless Gaming Receiver is great for using with the well made accessories that were until now only accessible to Xbox 360 owners. One can expect a well made and well functioning product that certainly delivers on what it promises. The only problem in justifying the purchase is whether one already has the wired 360 controller for their 360 already or doesn't have any Xbox 360 controllers/devices at all, where one would pay $39.99 for a USB controller, or end up paying the combined price of a wireless controller and the wireless receiver which adds up to about $70 US, not including tax. And of course, it also comes down to necessity, but necessity is the mother of invention, hence why Microsoft created the Wireless Gaming Receiver for PC gamers wanting to use Xbox 360 devices. I would recommend this accessory if you need a gamepad for certain games and also desire a wireless connection that is equal to the one enjoyed by Xbox 360 owners.

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Pros:

• Good price at $19.99
• Supports multiple device types
• Supports up to 4 devices simultaneously
• Full Windwos XP and Windows Vista support
• High quality 2.4 GHz connection with no lag
• Great if you already have Xbox 360 wireless accessories and want to use them on your PC
• 30 ft wireless range
• Easy setup and installation

Cons:

• Current direct support for the 360 gamepad is little (more and more games are supporting it though)
• If one doesn't already own any wireless 360 accessories for their Xbox 360, the combined cost of the wireless receiver and the device/accessory might drive one away
• 5 ft cord can tangle easily when transporting around the receiver.

 

That looks really cool, and is a great price. Finally Microsoft is starting to use their untapped potential of synching their consoles with their OS. Monopoly anyone?

Now only if there was a way to use a mouse and keyboard with the 360, then my Halo 2 kills would skyrocket.

 

Interesting to add is that the XBox Live platform and Vista are married quite closely too, in that you can play certain games via PC with XBox Live players. Exciting stuff such as UNO and Paperboy. It's interesting to see MS come up with ways to marry the XBox with the PC. Of course, this is all part of Microsoft's ongoing strategy to take over the world, as Google tries to beat them to that.

 

That great because I find the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller to be one of the best controllers for gaming available.

It just shows how Microsoft is trying to integrate themselves even more.

I think Microsoft made a good decision coming out with a gaming console and such.

 

Yes it's interesting to watch the super powers collide on occasion.

This controller is a great idea it's too bad the reciever isn't a small little USB reciever, but for $20 it's still not a bad deal at all.

 

That's pretty cool, I didn't know it was possible playing xbox 360 games on the computer.

 

There is a device like this.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/xcm-brings-pcstyle-gaming-to-your-360-217332.php
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/peripher...eyboardmouse-adapter-available-now-223087.php

 

It's not, so don't get confused. It's for playing PC games with an Xbox 360 controller.

 

Thanks Bruce for pointing that out. Xbox Live is about to be taken over.

 

Nice! I think I'm gonna have to pick one of these up someday. I prefer the 360 controller for GoW, but for FPS, this would come in real handy.

 

I want one, but I want someone else to get one first. Haha. I am just a little concerned regarding lag issues and whether or not it will work with my mouse.

 

Well what I did for lack of gamepad support issues, is I downloaded a 3rd party program called "Xpadder" and it basically let's me assign keyboard key strokes to my 360 wireless controller. It's really awesome using the controller for movement, across the battlefield, while still using a mouse for precision aiming. The combination works really well for CS:Source and I really need to try it for BF2, as I'd definetly get a step up in using the controller for vehicles, especially aircraft. Oh, and just like with using my Xbox 360, I get no lag whatsoever. It's awesome.